Articles by James Cleary

James Cleary
Deputy Editor

James Cleary is CarsGuide's Deputy Editor, with over four decades’ experience across automotive editorial, marketing, product planning and creative advertising.

He has written for national and international titles including Wheels, Drive, Carsales, Motor and Top Gear Australia providing everything from new product assessment and feature writing to industry analysis, news content and expert advice.

He’s spent time as an advanced driving instructor, and had the opportunity to experience rare and valuable classics here and overseas.

James worked in the PR and advertising/sales promotion teams at Mercedes-Benz Australia and has managed the Marketing Communications and Product Planning functions for Peugeot Australia. He also directed advertising client service for Hyundai Motor Company Australia and Volvo Australia.

James has a Bachelors Degree in Communications from Macquarie University and driving qualifications from multiple advanced schools, including Ian Luff Motivation.

He has been a member of the CarsGuide team for 10 years and as Deputy Editor manages everything from sub-editing to back-end platforms while creating written and visual content.

Expertise

  • New product assessment
  • Industry analysis
  • News content
  • Expert advice
  • Feature writing

Experience

  • BMW Performance Driving School
  • Lamborghini Winter Accademia
  • Master Maserati Driving School
  • Mercedes-AMG Snow Performance School
  • Porsche Level 4 Master training
  • Volkswagen Driving Experience program

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts (MassComm) | Macquarie University | 1981-1984

Featured publications

Full details on Skoda's new model onslaught
By James Cleary · 02 Apr 2024
Skoda has kicked off 2024 with a three-pronged attack on the Australian new car market, announcing a run-out version of its compact Kamiq SUV, an entry-level variant of the mid-size Karoq SUV and a value-focused SportLine grade for the Octavia Liftback and Wagon line-up.
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Skoda Karoq 2024 review
By James Cleary · 28 Mar 2024
With the aim of slicing away some market share from the dominant players in the medium SUV segment, Skoda has created a new entry-level version of its Karoq. Could it make you think twice about a Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail or Mitsubishi Outlander? Our launch drive review could help you decide.
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Skoda continues EV charge with Epiq light SUV
By James Cleary · 18 Mar 2024
Skoda continues to do its share of the heavy-lifting in the Volkswagen Group's drive towards electrification of its brands with the latest newcomer from the Czech Republic; a close-to-production concept version of the upcoming Epiq light SUV.
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Kia K4 to preview next Cerato in New York
By James Cleary · 15 Mar 2024
Kia may be calling it K4 but we're going to call it Cerato because that's what the next-gen small sedan due to be unveiled at this month's New York motor show effectively is.
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2025 Kia Sportage facelift rendered!
By James Cleary · 15 Mar 2024
The current, fifth-generation Kia Sportage arrived here in late 2021 and with a mid-life facelift in the works Seoul-based design group, New York Mammoth, has rendered the new car based on intel buzzing around the Korean domestic market.
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Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max Aussie specs detailed
By James Cleary · 14 Mar 2024
From a standing start less than 12 months ago challenger brand Chery has steadily built its local presence from the original Omoda 5 small SUV, through the mid-size Tiggo 7 Pro SUV, and most recently, confirmation the three-row Tiggo 8 Pro Max will join the Chinese maker’s Australian line-up in May this year.
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Ineos Quartermaster cab chassis unveiled!
By James Cleary · 14 Mar 2024
The rise and rise of ‘traditional’ 4x4 specialist Ineos continues with the release of the British brand’s new Quartermaster five-seat dual cab chassis variant.
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Land Rover sales roaring ahead in 2024!
By James Cleary · 13 Mar 2024
It’s a case of Land Rover first and daylight second when it comes to a year-on-year Australian new car sales improvement over the first two months of 2024.
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Peugeot E-3008 2024 review
By James Cleary · 13 Mar 2024
Peugeot has transitioned from diesel specialist to EV generalist across multiple passenger and light-commercial models. The latest pure-electric arrival is the E-3008 mid-size SUV heading into an increasingly competitive segment filled with the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla Model Y and Volvo EX30. We took a pre-release drive in France prior to a local launch in the second half of this year.
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Maserati's GranCabrio super soft-top is back!
By James Cleary · 12 Mar 2024
Maserati has lopped the top off its powerhouse GranTurismo GT to create the new GranCabrio, a ‘Spyder’ version of the twin-turbo V6-powered ‘2+2’ supercar.
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